What Does Education Design Look Like Post Covid-19?
As schools are re-opening around the country, what does education design look like now? Will schools look the same as before? Right now, we have a unique opportunity to change the way we learn as a society. With the proper tools, we can ensure a safe and healthy environment that’s optimal for education.
Design For Safety As We Know It Now
We can’t predict the future, but we have gained insight over the past year that can guide design decisions in classroom settings. Whether your students are part-time or full-time, your classroom layout will likely need to change. But, you may not have to start from scratch. With architectural products like office barriers, you can update your existing furniture easily to accommodate distancing requirements. We offer a variety of barriers to help prevent the spread of Covid-19:
- Acrylic Desktop Panels
- Rolling Floor Panels
- Acrylic Germ Guard
- Freestanding Acrylic Panels
We have recommended these options many times to quickly create separation in the office, and they also perform well in the classroom environment. Acrylic is easy to clean, allows light in, and is easy to attach to almost any existing furniture. Right now, the objective is to create separation of student work areas without the feeling of isolation. Clear panels are the perfect choice for that application.
Don’t Forget The Air
More and more, the CDC is encouraging the use of air-purifying devices either installed within existing duct work or as standalone units. Don’t forget about this critical “invisible” design aspect of your classroom space. The use of HEPA filtration greatly reduces the viral load in the air, and therefore reduces the risk of spread. Air purifiers make an excellent investment now, and likely for years to come.
Ensure Flexibility For The Future
The key to education design will be flexible spaces that can adapt as our understanding of Covid-19 grows. For classrooms, we encourage the use of modular, mix and match pieces that can be moved or used in different ways. Choose easy-to-clean materials for desktops, barriers, and chairs. By investing in these flexible use products, you’ll be ready to adapt to future recommendations. For example, the CDC recently reduced the distancing guidelines to 3 ft from 6ft in elementary, middle, and high school settings. Using modular furniture and barriers means less time and money spent to accommodate new changes.
Get Help From The Furniture Experts
ROSI has decades of experience in office design, and our principles extend into the classroom. Ultimately, the goal is to create a healthy place to learn and collaborate – whether it’s at work or school. Our expert team is using the latest in commercial furniture design to create functional spaces that meet or exceed CDC guidelines for minimizing viral spread. Don’t know where to start? Contact us today for a free consultation! We’ll discuss your needs and develop a plan to get your school environment ready to reopen.
